Outlook: Mitchell uses one word to describe this season -- challenging. He's rebuilding with six newcomers who will have to play with an entirely different style. While last season's team lived and died with the one-on-one play of Danny Singletary and Antoine Brockington, this squad should be better playing as a team. Fred Warrick, who played in the shadow of the two top guns last season, will have to lead the way offensively. The biggest challenge for Mitchell will be finding steady play and muscle on the front line. If Dorian Pena recovers from the lateral meniscus tear in his right knee, he will provide an athletic inside presence.

Around the league: Look out for Hampton, whose 14-12 record last year was the team's best since moving up to Division I. Almost everyone is back from a Pirates team that played competitive contests last year against North Carolina and North Carolina State.